A TEACHERble Moment

One bottle of water was sufficient to leave me feeling full, while a single bite of food plunged me into misery. Daily, I suffered bloating and severe pain, resulting in months of sleepless nights. In desperation, I would induce vomiting to rid myself of the food in my body, believing it would alleviate my discomfort. I found myself in a constant state of emotional distress, crying without end. I knew something was terribly wrong.

When I finally gathered the courage and the strength to consult a physician, I received alarming news, necessitating an appointment with a liver specialist. The diagnosis revealed a fatty liver, which carried the risk of developing cancer. At 20 years old, amidst the unknown turmoil of the Covid-19 pandemic, I faced a reality that I was unprepared to accept: cancer. Confronted with the overwhelming changes in the world, I returned home consumed by despair. The thought of being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age weighed heavily on my heart. This was one of the most horrid experiences and days in my life.

When the results unexpectedly improved, it became clear that any outcome other than a cancer diagnosis was favorable. My doctor informed me that my gallbladder had sustained significant damage and needed to be urgently removed; this organ was the source of my persistent pain.

I underwent a cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, which lasted about an hour, yet all I could recall was the heaviness in my head, as if a pile of bricks had been thrust upon me.

What is the Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is not related to the bladder; rather, it is a small organ situated beneath the liver, playing an important function in the digestive system. Resembling the shape of a pear, the gallbladder is responsible for emulsifying dietary fats through bile. Bile, a yellowish-green digestive fluid, is synthesized by the liver and stored within the gallbladder until needed for digestion.

The Cause of a Cholecystectomy

Your body will indicate the necessity for a cholecystectomy: You may experience complications from gallstones that disrupt bile flow, improper bile drainage, inflammation of the gallbladder and/or pancreas, or encounter severe acute problems as well as chronic issues such as bloating, nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, and significant bloating. If you have any of these symptoms, I highly encourage you to visit a physician or doctor.

Life Without a Gallbladder

I no longer possess a gallbladder. Life without this organ has become relatively normal, and I no longer experience the pain that was once prevalent. While I can still consume most foods, there are instances where I have sharp pains and complications with my digestive system; however, these occurrences are not severe. Recently, I have been actively working to eliminate certain foods from my diet or to approach them with strict moderation, resulting in a significant improvement in my overall well-being.

Conclusion

I am not a medical doctor; however, I possess knowledge based on the guidance provided by my healthcare provider and my research on cholecystectomy, commonly known as gallbladder removal surgery.

It is essential to seek advice from a qualified medical professional or consult reputable sources, including health specialists and experts in the medical field, for further information.

References

Krans, Brian. “What Is Open Gallbladder Removal?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 10 Jan. 2018, http://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-removal-open.